Russia and Iraq mull to strengthen cooperation in joint fight against terrorism 22805152.

Russia has invested in Iraq "billions of dollars," and Russia- Iraq trade has been expanding at a modest level, said Putin, who stopped short of giving much details.

For his part, al-Abadi said Baghdad hopes that his visit to Moscow would boost relations between the two nations. "We would like it very much that the visit is to facilitate further support (from Russia), strengthen our cooperation in fighting terrorism not only in Iraq but across the whole region," he said.

Earlier in the day, al-Abadi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the Russian side vowing to "do its utmost to meet all possible needs of Iraq for armaments" in order to "ensure its defense capability and ability to fight against terrorist groups."

"We are ready to supply weapons to Iraq and we don't set any preconditions. Bear in mind that Iraq, Syria and Egypt are on the frontline of the fight against terrorism," Lavrov said.

The Iraqi government is expecting the arrival of advanced weapons purchased from Russia for the ongoing fight against the Islamic State, or ISIS, an Iraqi Ministry Defense spokesman said.

According to spokesman Nassir Nour the deal was struck during Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visit to Moscow earlier last week. He said the timetable for arrival was withheld for security reasons.

“All I can say is we will receive them soon,” Nouri told reporters on Wednesday, May 27.